Awashima Shrine

Awashima Shrine stands near the sea in the Kada district on the western edge of Wakayama City. It enshrines Sukunahikona, a deity linked to medicine, along with Okinagatarashihime, and is visited for prayers relating to women's health and safe childbirth. The shrine is best known for the thousands of dolls placed throughout its grounds, brought from across Japan for memorial rites rather than being discarded. Each year on March 3, the Hina-nagashi ceremony sends dolls out to sea on small wooden boats after a Shinto blessing. Dolls are accepted for memorial only in person, during set hours. The shrine is a walk from Kada Station and looks out toward the islands of Tomogashima.